NHTSA Complaint #11543901 — 2013 FORD FUSION

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V597000 (Air Bags, Seat Belts). Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start on two occasions. The vehicle was towed to the dealer on both occasions, and the dealer determined that rodents had consumed the electrical wiring, causing an electrical failure. The electrical wiring was replaced. The contact also stated that the transmission was slipping while driving. The contact stated that two engine cylinders had misfired, and the ignition coils and spark plugs were replaced. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, messages indicating that the coolant level was low, and that the vehicle was overheating were displayed, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle shuddered and lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where an unknown hose and the thermostat were replaced; however, the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic, who referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that coolant was leaking into the engine, causing the engine to overheat. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V551000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.